“Dude.”
That’s it. That’s all he says before throwing the door wide and retreating barefoot into the apartment, wearing only a pair of boxers.
I follow close on his heels. “I know it’s early, but I need your help.”
Beck grunts and shuffles into the kitchenette. “Not until I’ve had my coffee.”
“Fair enough.” I glance around the tiny apartment, which is little more than a studio. A soft orange glow streams in through the patio windows, the first rays of the sun creeping over the Austin skyline. “Late night?”
Beck nods and the coffee pot begins to brew, a thin stream of brown liquid dripping into the pot with a quiet sizzle.
I move to the counter-height bar, which separates the small kitchen from the living room, and I’m about to sit down when I see Scarlett’s gorgeous face smiling up at me.
The sight of her here—now—is like a sucker punch to the gut.
I pick up the photo and discover another beneath it. And another. And another.
They’re from the photo booth. Every single one of them.
“What the fuck?” I turn to my brother. “You’re the one who’s been messing with me? Moving my shit around? Plastering these pics all over my office?”
Beck’s eyes go wide and he throws up his hands in self-defense. “Just the pics. I didn’t do any of that other shit.”
I toss the printouts on the counter. “Great. So I have two pranksters sneaking into my office.” I shoot my brother the side-eye. “How did you even find out about the photo booth anyway?”
I sure as hell didn’t tell him.
“After the media shitstorm with Ashley, I set up a web scan for any mentions of you, me, or Miles. If we’re mentioned, tagged, or our faces are posted online, I get a notification.” He crosses his arms and leans against the counter, looking entirely smug. Not that I can blame him. It’s actually pretty genius. “Imagine my surprise when I saw your enthusiastic testimonial for ATX Party Rentals.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet it was the testimonial that caught your eye.”
“Not gonna lie, I nearly pissed myself when I saw you dressed up like Cupid. That shit is hilarious.”
“I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?”
His widening grin is answer enough.
“Great.” I scrub a hand over my face. “I expect this shit from Miles, not you.”
He shrugs. “The opportunity was too good to pass up.”
“Noted.” I jerk my chin toward the half-full coffee pot. “Get caffeinating. Miles will be here soon and we have work to do.”
Miles arrives fifteen minutes later, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
At least someone got some sleep last night.
“What’s with the emergency meeting?” Miles asks, joining Beck and me at the breakfast bar.
“I fucked up.”
My brothers exchange a look, but it’s Miles who speaks. “And?”
“And I need your help to win Scarlett back.”Obviously.
Christ. I’m even starting to sound like her.
“You realize that may not be possible, right?” Miles levels his gaze at me. “What you did… The things you accused her of… I don’t know if you can come back from that.”
